[Update #1] Sonic Mania’s PC DRM has angered its fanbase
The Denuvo DRM requires an internet connection for the game to be played
We’ve looked into the DRM complaints and can confirm this was not the cause of the problem. We apologise for any inconvenience any of the bugs may have caused players of the PC version at launch and would like to reassure them again, that as with this particular bug, we are on the case and working on fixes so everyone can have an uninterrupted and enjoyable experience playing Sonic Mania both online and offline.”]
It’s kind of a weird thing to say, but there’s finally been a Sonic game that SEGA’s released that has had near unanimous praise heaped upon it by fans and critics alike. Sonic Mania has managed to breathe fresh air into the long stagnant series, and review scores have been great for the console versions.
A few days before its release on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Switch, SEGA announced that the PC version would be delayed a couple weeks for more optimization. Sonic Mania finally released on Steam yesterday, and many fan’s excitement quickly turned to anger when they realized SEGA had inserted Denuvo DRM, which requires an internet connection for the game to be played and some worry that it could actually damage their DVD and hard drives.
While Sonic Mania currently has a “Mostly Positive” user rating in Steam, many negative reviews have been flooding with the knowledge of the game’s DRM spreading around. Many are angry that SEGA didn’t let users know before their purchase that the game contained the Denuvo DRM.
“I am beyond disgusted that this was installed without any warning. If not removed I shall seek a refund towards the end of my refund period in a week,” read one Steam review. “More urgently, I am trying to find a way to eradicate the malware from my computer presently.
“This game should be avoided at all costs until a Denuvo-free installation is offered and independent analysis confirms that it is completely removed. Sega should unreservedly apologise for any distress and all damage this astonishing mistake may cause their most enthusiastic paying customers.”
SEGA has responded to this saying they’re updating the game’s listing on the Steam store to let customers know the game contains DRM and it was their intention that the game could be playable offline, so they’re currently investigating that issue.
“We’re also investigating other issues like controller support, these are all PC specific things that Christian and the team have been working on these last few weeks,” the SEGA update read. “Please bear with us while we collate and investigate problems that are being brought to our attention.”
Sonic PR guru Aaron Webber has asked fans to let their voices be heard regarding the DRM by completing a survey.
Up until now, it’s been nothing but blue skies for Sonic Mania, and we hope SEGA quickly rectifies this issue and doesn’t let it negatively effect an otherwise amazing game and moment for the Sonic series.
They messed up one of their best game
What a confusing move considering the success it had on consoles.
Why kill the momentum with such a dumb decision?
Sega is going to keep getting heat for this. How could they not have the foresight to see the backlash? Seems to me like they are putting a target on the game. Very confusing move. There will always be people who are not going to pay for new games, but I think there are many more people who are more than happy to pay for a quality game. I have no idea about the statistics, but good will goes a long way in the video game world.
The developers foresaw it, PR Aaron Webber foresaw it. Sega ignored them, and now they’re all forwarding the fans anger to Sega. I say it’s totally fair.
I agree, totally fair. I guess I was referring specifically to management. I mean, like you said, all these people foresaw it, so I am sure management was plenty warned. But is management so detached from how the vast majority of gamers think? Makes you wonder who they are taking their advice from.
Yes, even more with Mania’s price 🙂 And I personally think that anyone who plays a pirated game, was actually never willing to pay for it, so it’s not actually lost money. It’s money you (Sega) were never getting.
I even enjoy supporting those games I love, and if the price is a problem, I can always wait until some sale (especially on Steam).
Also, I’m getting a Nintendo Switch on Christmas, and will buy Mania again for it. And if it ever reaches Android, I’ll pay for it again. I love this game and I want more like it.
It wouldn’t have been so bad if they just told us the truth in the first place.
Though Denuvo DRM is pretty bad and ya they would have lost a ton of pre-orders (mine included) if we weren’t lied to.
Like @Hikingguy00:disqus says good will goes a long way and this is pretty destructive behavior, not to mention the possible damages from Denuvo.
I get lots of random slow downs myself without any direct cause, can only assume its Denuvo which is known to do that.
They best do more than allow offline play, Denuvo has to go ASAP.
I normally don’t buy games day one but if its a Sega game from now on we are going to expect destructive DRM included so they better stay away from it if they wanna earn the PC users trust back.
Plus on top of that darn two week delay, that’s just insult to injury there.
I’m sure they panicked at the last minute but they best learn from this.
And people wonder why so many games don’t get published on PC? The PC game world is overrun with piracy and companies like SEGA cannot afford to take the hit. While people championing consumer rights are entitled to do whatever they want with their money, if the piracy continues and people boycott games with DRM, don’t be surprised when the game you most wanted is a console exclusive (where piracy is much more rare for brand new games).
And don’t try to tell me pc gaming doesn’t have piracy. I’ve had co-workers brag how they NEVER pay for ANY game and the only reason they game on a PC is so they can pirate everything. You can’t have it both ways. Either shut up and take your DRM like an adult or put your money where your smart mouth is and buy the stupid game instead of complaining about how there’s DRM so you can’t easily pirate a brand new game.
To the author: “Sonic PR guru Aaron Webber has asked fans to let their voices be heard regarding the DRM by completing a survey.”
Which survey? The link in that tweet is to send a feedback message to Sega Helpdesk.